[THE INVESTOR] Samsung Electronics, the sole producer of cadmium-free quantum-dot TVs, is expected to benefit from European Union’s planned ban on TVs containing the carcinogen metal.

According to Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency on July 10, EU is mulling to ban sales of quantum-dot TVs containing cadmium from early next year. The final decision will be made later this month after a public hearing. 

Samsung’s SUHD quantum-dot TV

Quantum dots are tiny particles that emit a different color of light depending on size. When applied to TVs, the colors are more accurate and the images more vibrant compared to traditional liquid-crystal displays. Among other things, they are more energy efficient.

EU usually bans sales of cadmium-containing electronics products but quantum-dot TVs have been an exception due to its high energy efficiency.

TV makers, including those of China, are jumping into producing the upgraded LCD TVs. The possible sales ban in Europe will be a boon for Samsung that has poured resources into producing cadmium-free quantum-dot TVs, while its Chinese rivals such as Haier and TCL will face setbacks in this area.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)